The Consumers' Association has expressed strong dissatisfaction regarding, the high cost of electricity, and the constant curtailment of output from photovoltaic systems. Speaking on the Alpha Kalimera program, he raised the issue of compensation for consumers, while questioning whether the installation of central energy storage batteries would lead to a reduction in the price of electricity.
Referring to the Finance Minister’s remarks on increased consumption, Mr. Drousiotis disputed the conclusion that higher demand is an indication of citizens’ financial prosperity. As he argued, the increase in consumption does not mean that the incomes of all households have risen, as the purchasing power of low- and middle-income groups continues to be under pressure. “Does the Ministry of Finance have any indications or has it conducted any studies on where this increased demand is coming from? That is our question,” he said, adding that “unfortunately, there is a perception within the Ministry of Finance and among key officials that people are not suffering.”
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At the same time, he criticized the Ministry of Finance’s effort to secure an exemption to eliminate the remaining excise tax on heating oil, arguing that the benefit would be limited. “Do you know how much the consumer will benefit? In total, three cents per liter,” he said, questioning why a similar exemption wasn’t requested for a larger reduction in taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel.
He made special mention of the constant curtailments of power generation from residential photovoltaic systems, noting that the Association receives a large number of complaints. During the broadcast, a complaint was featured from a mother of many children, who claims that her photovoltaic system is taken offline for several hours every day, as a result of which she is not enjoying the expected savings. “We’re in a desperate situation. We’re spending more than we did before the solar panels were installed, and we’re paying the same amount as before,” she stated in her complaint, adding that “we’ve gotten to the point where we don’t even turn on the lights at night. We’re sitting in the dark.”
The President of the Consumers’ Association argued that the power cuts are illegal and that affected consumers should be compensated. “For us, this is illegal. They must be compensated. I’m not saying what the amount of compensation will be, but they should be compensated,” he stated, noting that the Association had considered the possibility of legal action to protect collective interests, though it lacks the necessary financial resources. He expressed similar objections regarding the write-off of surplus electricity production in February, which he also considers contrary to the law.
Regarding energy storage, Mr. Drousiotis noted that, based on current data, installing residential batteries is not economically viable due to the high cost and long payback period. He also expressed reservations about whether central batteries would lower the price of electricity, arguing that the costs of installation, operation, and maintenance costs may be passed on to consumers who do not have solar panels. “Let someone in charge come forward and assure us that installing central batteries will lower prices. If anyone can do that, then let’s discuss it,” he said. Finally, he also questioned expectations of lower prices through a competitive electricity market, arguing that so far, the anticipated benefits for consumers have not materialized.
